The Riddler's exclusion from the next "Batman" is assuredly a blow to many Splash Page readers, as the character was voted the fan-favorite pick for the movie's villain. But come on, this is Batman we're talking about -- the sea of bad guys is virtually endless!

With Riddler out of the picture, it's time to dry those eyes and focus on the real threat: who is Batman's next nemesis? Join us after the jump as we weigh in on some candidates!

Aside from the villains we mentioned in our Secret Identity column some weeks ago, there have been many rumored bad guys for "The Dark Knight Rises." The most persistent gossip centers on Killer Croc and Bane, based on some unofficial concept art that made the rounds in recent weeks. We're skeptical on the Bane front, but Croc has yet to make an appearance in a live-action "Batman" flick. Perhaps he'll finally rise to the occasion of battling "The Dark Knight."

HARVEY DENT RISES...

The "rises" in the new "Batman" movie's official title certainly seems to refer to Bruce Wayne himself, but what if it actually refers to another dead character -- like Harvey Dent, for example? Aaron Eckhart has expressed his willingness to return, and after delivering such a strong performance as the district attorney turned homicidal maniac, we might be able to take a leap of faith and forgive the character's resurrection -- if it can be done tastefully and respectfully, of course.

BATMAN VS. THE WORLD

Here's an idea: focus the movie on Batman, not his villains. This is supposed to be the final chapter of Nolan's "Batman" trilogy, right? How about tossing in a whole variety of villains while keeping the spotlight on the Dark Knight -- it's not about the bad guys and their methods, but how Bruce rises to the occasion, beats them all and wins the day. If "The Dark Knight Rises" is the grand finale for Nolan, the film should be as explosive as the Fourth of July; including a multitude of villains would certainly meet that qualification.

With the Riddler out of the equation, tell us who you want to see as the villain in "The Dark Knight Rises" in the comments section and on Twitter!